Annan urges Kibaki, Raila to embrace dialogue
Former UN Secretary General Mr Kofi Annan pleaded for good faith, and genuine dialogue in search of reconciliation and a lasting solution to Kenya’s political crisis. Annan, who arrived in Kenya on Tuesday night, appealed for co-operation during the talks and asked both the Government and ODM to maintain respect for the rule of law and human rights. Annan addressed the media at Serena Hotel, Nairobi, moments after arrival to spearhead the talks, warned of political disaster for the country that has been a beacon of peace and stability in Africa if the dialogue flops. The former UN boss said innocent people are the losers during crisis and promised to reach out to the warring parties to find a lasting solution.
Saying he is an emissary of the African Union, European Union, United Nations and the United States whose solidarity and support his team enjoy, Annan noted that: “We are here to listen, to learn and to work with concerned parties to find a just and sustainable solution”.
Violence and protests that have claimed nearly 600 lives erupted immediately Electoral Commission of Kenya chairman Mr Samuel Kivuitu declared President Kibaki the winner of December 27 General Election.
“I am ready to begin work today (Wednesday). I will seek to meet and bring President Kibaki and Mr Raila Odinga together and urge them to seize the opportunity to end suffering and uncertainty that has plagued Kenya,” Annan said. Annan, who is the chair of Panel of Eminent African Personalities, joins former Tanzanian President Mr Benjamin Mkapa and Ms Graca Machel from Mozambique.
He dispelled fears that Kuffuor had handed him a poisoned chalice, which would not bear fruits. “We would explore all avenues to ensure we arrest the situation befalling Kenya,” said Annan, adding that “there can be no lasting peace and stability without co-operation and determined and sustained respect for the rule of law.”
Annan thanked efforts that preceded his visit including that of President John Kufuor of Ghana, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and the African Forum led by former President Joachim Chissano for helping to diffuse the situation.
Meanwhile, Vice President Mr Kalonzo Musyoka has said the committee appointed by Kibaki, and which he chairs, had a different duty all together. “The dialogue team I lead drawn from Government side is to purposely promote national dialogue, reconciliation and international understanding. It is not a negotiating committee,” Kalonzo said in a statement sent to The Standard on Tuesday.
East African Standard
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